A Guide to the Whimsigoth Aesthetic
For lovers of Practical Magic and The Craft, indulge in the neo-goth makeover of your dreams
Rich swatches of crimson and mauve, velveted drapery and moody yet playful interiors. No, you haven’t walked into a modern vampire’s den—this is Whimsigoth. A bold interior style that combines gothic aesthetics with folklore elements, whimsigoth is easily recognized with its rich textural palette and eclectic style.
The term, coined by architectural designer and researcher Evan Collin, refers to ’80s and early ’90s furniture and interior design that boasts a uniquely macabre romanticism, which he dubbed “whimsical mystical gothic celestial” and was later shortened to whimsigoth. Recently re-popularized online, the style is often mentioned in relation to classic ’80s and early ’90s film and TV; notably The Craft (1996), Hocus Pocus (1993) and more. And if you’ve ever dreamed of living in Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock’s bewitching home in Practical Magic (1998), this article is for you. Here are seven furniture and decor pieces perfect for a Whimsigoth-inspired space this October.
$2,450, at Modulo Shop.
Gropius CS2 Fluffy Edition
True to its name, this extra fluffy and supremely comfortable accent chair by Ukrainian designer and Noom cofounder Kateryna Sokolova makes a textural statement in any living space. Perfect for designer lovers and modern-day-witches alike, this playful seating option is available in a variety of colours, including Mordore, Ivoire, Aubergine and Sable.
Forged Cast Iron Taper Holder
Perfect for dinner mood lighting––or some casual spellwork––these hand-forged cast iron taper holders are full of gothic appeal. Tall, matte black with textured knots, these spindly creatures are available in medium or large.
$2,488, at Ukiyo Living.
Velvet Mango Sofa
For glamorous soft seating, try the Velvet Mango Sofa by BC-based Ukiyo Living. A Japanese-inspired brand, this sofa boasts a seamless design and 45D high-density foam in an elegant silhouette. Available in over 20 colours, pictured here in Pickle, this statement piece offers a classic whimsigoth-style fabric and is ready for cozy blankets and layers of lace and silk.
Carnevale Wallpaper
Inherent to the whimsigoth aesthetic is drama. Delivering on this is Fine and Dandy Co.’s Carnevale collection, in Umbria. This blood-red wallpaper features enchanting illustrations of bat- and moth-like figures surrounded by winding tendrils. Moody and magical, this wallpaper designed by NYC artist Hazel Lee Santino is the perfect whimsigoth way post.
Pricing upon request, at 1stDibs.
Petite Stained Glass Firescreen
Place this item in front of an ornate fireplace and this stained-glass partition practically screams whimsigoth. Both functional and fantastical, this playful fire screen is made of brass and shades of maroon and earth-toned stained glass. A true vintage piece manufactured in the 1960s, this partition would have fit perfectly on the set of Charmed (1988).
Pricing upon request, at Standard Shop.
BuzziPleat Light
Handcrafted in Bladel, Netherlands, the BuzziPleat Light by BuzziSpace boasts a playful, pleated shape. Made from recycled materials, a single BuzziPleat LED takes over two hours to build. Much like a contemporary gothic chandelier, this pendant could be found in a 2024 coworking space run by the Addams family.
$60, from Mjölk.
Iron Wind Chime
An interior that embraces the whimsigoth aesthetic should be full of baubles and trinkets, from drapery to wind chimes. Here, local furniture store Mjölk has updated the latter in the form of an iron wind chime in alluring shades of citrus and forest green. Made in Japan, this design by Masanori Masuda balances iron with thread and paper.
